I am in need of a nice optic for a modified Mosin Nagant. The only intended use of this rifle is long range target shooting (12 inch steel plates) from 100-1000yds. The range goes out to a mile, but I probably wont be attempting that kind of shot with this cartridge. I have taken it out once and shot it to 1000yds with a really cheap 4-16x50 Barska scope. While I was able to hit the targets, the scopes cheapness really became apparent after 400 yards. I was only able to use a max of 14x magnification because the picture became too blurred above that. I also noticed a lot distortion around the edge of the lens.

Im looking to spend no more than $1000 on a new scope (10x the price of the gun!). A friend of mine has a Vortex Viper PST (5-20x50 or something) that I really like and that's what Im considering. Are there any other scopes I should be looking at for that price? I can use either MOA or mrad, but i prefer mrad. I would prefer first focal plane. Must have exposed turrets. I had elevation adjusted up to 31.25 MOA at 1000yds, so I know I need at least that much adjustment range. A zero stop feature would also be a plus.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear...The rifle is already setup for a scope. It has a Rock Solid mount mounted to the receiver (not the barrel like most mosin scope mounts). I have Weaver six hole 30mm rings on top of that. Barrel is free floated in an adjustable stock. Timney trigger. Shoots 1MOA with cheap off the shelf PPU ammo and said cheap Barska scope. I'm hoping for a little more accuracy with hand loads. Not bad for an 86 year old rifle that has been through 2 wars.

I have 2 other Mosins that are untouched and will stay that way. I dont shoot competitions, just for fun. So what exactly is wrong with putting a nice scope on this rifle?

Ive heard good things about the SS scopes. Ive never seen one in person, but I have to believe that they are great scopes based on all the praise they have received. Im not sure if 3-9 would be enough magnification for the range I'm shooting, but then again Ive never had the luxury of shooting long range with a good scope. My eye sight is terrible, so I need as much optical help as I can get. I see the SS is available in a 3-15 magnification, is there any disadvantage of using this over the 3-9? That 12 inch steel plate looks pretty small at 1000yds on anything less than 14x.

As far as the mosin goes, I do have better rifles that are more suited to long range but there is something about this stupid rifle that makes me love shooting it. I don't get it, but I figure as long as I'm having fun with it that's all that really matters.

Howdy JaFlo and welcome to the OT forum. Sounds like you're having fun with your rifle... since you'd spend up to a grand for a scope, spend less and get a superior scope- the SS recommended, or one of several others.

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot create polls in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum